By Lauren Allgood, Director of the Future Leaders Program

February was my second trip to Rwanda. Rwanda has become almost a mystical place for me – a place of beauty, joyful singing, perfect weather, and friendly people. In many ways, my two – two week trips to Rwanda have been like a little piece of heaven right here on earth. But, how in the world, could I say that about a country that has seen tragedy, hatred, and darkness like very few countries on this earth have ever experienced? Maybe it’s because when one goes on a “mission trip” God blinds you to the darkness and allows you to see the light and goodness of people. Maybe it’s because each time I traveled there I have been surrounded by World Relief staff and Rwandan pastors and American team members who are radical Christ followers and living sacrificial lives for Christ each day. Or maybe it’s just a glimpse into a people group and country that cannot really be understood in a few days. But, maybe, just maybe the power of Christ is moving and working in that country in a way that is radically changing, transforming, and shaping lives to the glory of God. Whatever the case may be, Rwanda is an amazing place filled with amazing people, and God is doing an amazing work there.

One way God is working in Rwanda is through World Relief and the people that make up that organization. We have been posting blogs for the last two months about some of these staff members (our WR buddies) who we met while visiting in February. They strive to transform individuals and communities in Rwanda through the local church. Transformation is attempted through several key program areas: Child Survival, Child Development, HIV AIDS, Microfinance, and Church Mobilization. Some of the ways these programs carry out transformation is through abstinence training to youth, skills training to young girls orphaned by HIV AIDS, church savings programs to help families with physical needs, training local pastors to care for their congregations, and providing water filters for families in need of clean water. Below are some photos of some of the lives that our World Relief buddies are impacting and serving in the name of Jesus.

Young girls orphaned by HIV AIDS; just completed a WR skills training program

Pastor Michael (in hat) is the President of World Relief’s Interfaith Council in Busara

These young men are currently going through abstinence training and will be asked to make a commitment at the end of the training

Part of our team helped provide water filters to a community near Kigali

Philippians 1:3-5 says
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Please join me and the Future Leaders as we pray for our brothers and sisters in Rwanda and partner with them in the gospel. Here are a few prayer requests to focus on:

• Pray for strength and endurance for the WR staff and that God would expand their time so they can fulfill all their commitments as well as spend time with Him.
• Pray for the work of WR in Rwanda; that God would work in and through their programs to truly bring transformation to the people of Rwanda through Jesus Christ.
• Pray for the church in Rwanda; that God would strengthen it to shepherd and care for Christ followers and share the gospel with those who don’t know Him.
• Pray for Rwanda, the country, their leadership, and the people. That Christ would move powerfully in that country and that God would be glorified.